Monday June 27th 2016
Owen Thompson MP met with the women of Midlothian who have been adversely affected by the equalisation of the pension age to listen to their concerns and to see how he and his MP colleagues at Westminster might take their fight for transitional arrangements further.
His public meeting was held at Dalkeith’s newly refurbished Corn Exchange on Monday 20 June, with almost 40 constituents attending and many others who could not attend contacting him to be kept updated on future developments.
Mr. Thompson discussed the unsatisfactory response to his letter to Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Stephen Crabb, and welcomed the formation of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on this topic, of which Mr. Thompson is a founding member. He also discussed the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign – who will be holding a rally and mass lobby at Westminster on 29 June – and how Midlothian women might be best supported by forming a local WASPI group.
The attendees shared their stories and concerns with Mr. Thompson, and at his request shared their ideas on how the UK Government might best support them through transitional arrangements.
Owen Thompson MP commented:
“I would like to thank all of the women who attended the meeting and gave such valuable contributions, as well as the other women who could not attend but have contacted me over the past few months to share their concerns about their futures after the delay to receiving their State Pensions.
“It was clear that our ‘WASPI women’ appreciated having the chance to discuss the repercussions and future plans with others who are in the same boat – this reassured them that they are not alone in their concerns. In addition, their desire to start a local group is something I can help them take forward.”
Midlothian constituents affected by this issue should contact owen.thompson.mp@parliament.uk or phone Mr. Thompson’s office at 0131 663 9675 to add their details to his mailing list.
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